Introduction to Revelation

"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Revelation 1:3

The book of Revelation has been studied, torn apart, and looked at backward and forward. It has been written about, many interpretations have been publicized. Men have floated their own ideas about what they think will happen and what all the imagery means. This has been happening for hundreds of years, yet no one knows the fullness of the prophecy. It is greater than man's imagination or intellect. So John made sure that we understand we need to take a simple approach when reading the book.
    The scripture above tells us that we are blessed by reading the words of the Revelation. It does not offer us blessing if we attempt to figure it out. It does not suggest that those who decipher it and publish their thoughts are any more blessed than the rest of us. We are blessed as we read it. We do not have to be a Bible scholar to receive the blessing. We simply need to read and allow the Holy Spirit to speak truth into our own spirits.
    It is certain that we must take the words of Revelation to heart. We know that we are living in the last days. We see the times, we discern the season. But all is not doom and gloom for us. The encouragement that comes from the Revelation prophecy is this: We win! At the end of all things, we will rule and reign with the King of kings. This is not something to be feared, it is something to long for and look forward to. We are God's people. We are his children and he will not leave us.
    There are some who choose to study the book of Revelation and attempt to answer all of the questions. Others don't read it at all, because fear overtakes them. But I encourage all of us to do just what the scripture tells us to do: Read it. Allow God to speak into your heart as you read the inspired words of the Revelation. There is no fear for us, but great hope instead. We may not understand it all and it is certain there is much we cannot fathom. But we do know this: We will be blessed when we read the words and take them to heart. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. He will teach us what we need to know. Let's relax and read the last chapters of the Bible together. The time is near.